Other services for family and friends

The Gambling Clinic offers outpatient treatment for gamblers and their loved ones. The outpatient treatment is directed to citizens of the metropolitan area (Helsinki, Vantaa and Kauniainen). The outpatient treatment is carried out as single, couple and group therapy. The loved ones can seek outpatient treatment either by themselves or together with their partner. The customer service of the Gambling Clinic is open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the number 040 152 3918. The Gambling clinic is located in the centre of Helsinki at the address Kaisaniemenkatu 2 B, 00100 Helsinki. More information available HERE.

At the Gambling Clinic operates also the low-threshold information and support point Tiltti which offers nationwide services. Tiltti is open for everyone who is interested in harms caused by gambling or who needs support.
Tiltti organises evenings for families and friends around once a month, on Wednesdays between 18 p.m. and 20 p.m. In these events you can meet other person in the same situation and receive sympathy, advices and information regarding gambling problems and being a loved one to a problem gambler. Information regarding these events is updated on the websites of Tiltti. In addition to the gamblers, the the open house activities are also aimed at their loved ones. Face-to-face support and counselling is available without scheduling an appointment. More information from HERE.

The Sovatek foundation organises from time to time courses for loved ones concerned about gambling. The courses are free of charge. The courses offer information about problem gambling, about being a loved one to a gambler as well as support and ways how to survive. During the courses problem gambling and its effect on everyday life (for example economics) is discussed. The focus of the courses is the situation of the loved one, how they cope and survive. The courses are directed to spouses, parents and children and to persons who are interested in the subject. More detailed information is available at the Sovatek Foundation.

Pelirajat’on- peer support groups
Pelirajat’on helps persons suffering from gambling problems and their loved ones through peer support. It is easy to attend the Pelirajat’on groups. In them you can share experiences and get support from others who have been in a similar situation. The groups are confidential and the vow of silence is respected. The participation is free of charge. There are groups all around Finland. Information regarding the ongoing and future groups can be found at the website of the project.

The Pelirajat’on –project offers basic training for peer group instructors. You don´t need previous experience in group instructing or peer support activity. You can sign up for the training via the websites. The Pelirajat’on-project operates in the premises of Sosped Foundation (Social Pedagogics foundation) at the address Elimäenkatu 25-27, 00510 Helsinki. More information from HERE.

The Ehkäisevä päihdetyö EHYT ry´s Pelitaito-project (2010-2014) tackles children’s and a young person’s gaming in its all forms. The website and support material provided during the project help to understand the gaming of children and young people. More information from HERE.

The Addiction Link

The multi-language Addiction Link online service contains a large variety of information on gambling problems as well as a discussion forum for gambling addicts and family members in Finnish.
More information from HERE.

Common instances providing help by phone:

Public Service Info
0295 000, a support service giving advices and guidance regarding public services, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Debt Line
0800 98009, counselling in payment and debt problems, Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The nationwide crisis line
01019 5202 weekdays from 9 a.m. to 7 a.m., weekends and bank holidays from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Instances providing help in your area

There can be a lot of different forms of help provided in your area in addition to the previously mentioned. These can be for example courses, retreats or guided groups in mental growth and welfare. Workers institutes, parishes, and different organisations can offer guidance in how to develop the way of thinking and feeling. The deacons are professionals in pastoral counselling and you can turn to them in any life situation regarding your religion. Contact your occupational health services if you feel that your ability to work is at risk and you are not sure if you can handle the situation anymore.

You can always ask for advices and instructions at the social and health services of your municipality. You get information of the basic services provided at your municipality by calling the switchboard of your municipality or from their websites. Municipalities do also offer finance and debt counselling. The health centre, the mental health clinic, the A-Clinic, the maternity clinic or the social clinic are instances where you can discuss about your own coping as a loved one to a gambler.

Peluuri´s helpline provide you with current and local information regarding services for friends and family, call 0800 100 101 (weekdays from 12 noon to 6 p.m.). Do also check the current events-section on this site.